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Page 1 of 3   When it comes to notebook sales figures, home entertainment models are in majority. Because of demand for such models, many home entertainment models exist on the market today, so users that search for one of these are presented with huge variety of models. ASUS positioned their new K50 series in that category, and we decided to take a look at K50IN model and see how it matches against ferocious competition.
When it comes to exterior, we should mention that whole K50 series (K50AB, K50C, K50IJ and K50IN) is made using Infusion Technology, that creates interesting surface effect. This makes defining basic color of notebook a daunting task, since it changes with view angle and light properties. In case of K50IN model, cover color goes from dark, almost black color, thru graphite color up to shade of brown with discreet pattern in form of short lines and dots. In any case, unusual, modern, cute and different exterior that will make this model easily noticeable among all others.
Segment above keyboard is made with brushed metal finish, which looks nice and elevates impressions about build quality. Other exterior solutions are already seen on other models, with battery cover at the bottom being another nice detail.
ASUS K50IN does not have any additional buttons. Instead of this solution, combination of Fn and one of the basic keys is used. We are still not used to cursor keys that are positioned between basic and numeric keys, with right cursor taking half of the zero numeric key. This is solution that ASUS is using on majority of new models, and we don’t like it at all. Beside this “problem”, there is nothing else that we could complain about, when it comes to keyboard. Keys do have shallow keystrokes, but at the same time, they are very precise so typing is rather pleasant experience.
Touch pad is unusual, as for looks, as for user experience. It looks like array of small embedded dots that form a rectangular surface - concept seen on some of the earlier HP models. Touch pads like these do work correctly, but problem is the fact that their surface is in most cases smooth (piano finish). Shiny plastic looks nice, but in case you have wet (sweaty) fingers, you can experience some problems.
Display is very important when it comes to notebooks, and colors on ASUS K50IN does looks, kind of, unconvincing, while viewing angles are also not impressive. Color correction is controlled by ASUS Splendid Utility that has few predefined modes, which can be used according to appropriate needs. Good news is that this display has LED backlight so its power consumption should not be huge. Diagonal of 15.6 inches is nice, while movie lovers will appreciate it 16:9 ratio and 1366x768 resolution.
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